of Choosing the Perfect White
Colour plays a major role in interior design - it influences how we perceive space and shapes the mood of a room. And when it comes to white, things get interesting.
White is often considered the safest choice in interior design - timeless, elegant, and endlessly versatile.
But here’s the truth: finding the perfect white isn’t as easy as it seems.
White is unique. It is both the absence of colour and the presence of all colours at once. No other shade behaves quite like it.
While white is loved for its brightness, freshness, and ability to create a clean, open atmosphere, it’s also surprisingly complex.
White isn’t just one colour. It exists in countless shades, each with subtle undertones that shift throughout the day. The same white that looks crisp and clean in one space can feel cold and stark in another. It can be bright and uplifting in the morning sun but turn unexpectedly grey and dull under artificial lighting. This is why selecting the perfect white requires more than just picking a paint swatch - it’s an art.
Is White a Good Idea for Walls?
Absolutely - when chosen carefully.
✔ It’s versatile – a perfect backdrop for any interior style.
✔ It visually expands a space, making rooms feel bigger and more open.
✔ It reflects natural light, adding brightness and airiness.
✔ It pairs effortlessly with any color, texture, or material.
✔ It’s timeless – white never goes out of fashion.
But here’s where it gets tricky - not all whites are the same.
A white that looks crisp and clean in one home might feel too cold in another. And without careful selection, what was meant to be a warm and inviting space can turn dull, or even harsh.
4 secrets of How to Pick the Right White
You’ve chosen a beautiful shade of white from a sample card, applied it to your walls, and suddenly - it doesn’t look the way you expected. The once soft and creamy tone now appears stark and flat. Why? Because any colour doesn’t exist in isolation; it interacts with everything around it, especially light.
North-facing rooms get plenty of warm sunlight, making whites appear even warmer. A neutral or cool white can help balance the light without feeling too yellow.
South-facing rooms get cooler, indirect light. A bright, crisp white might feel too stark here, but a warm-toned white with hints of ivory or beige can make the space feel inviting.
East- and west-facing rooms experience shifting light throughout the day. It’s important to test different whites at different times to see how they behave.
Shaded areas vs. sunlit areas – The same white will look darker in shadowed corners and lighter in direct sunlight. Undertones will also appear more pronounced in dimly lit spaces.
Getting the undertone right is crucial.
A cool white can feel sleek and sophisticated in a minimalist space but might look too stark in a cozy, traditional home.
A warm white works beautifully in classic or rustic interiors but may seem outdated in a contemporary setting.
For a crisp, modern look: Choose a neutral white with minimal undertones to create a clean, sophisticated space.
For a cozy, welcoming feel: Opt for a warm white that softens the edges of a room and creates a relaxed, inviting atmosphere.
For a coastal-inspired interior: A slightly warm, neutral white paired with soft blues and natural wood tones evokes the freshness of the seaside.
For a Scandinavian aesthetic: A cool white with hints of grey, combined with soft wood accents, captures the feeling of winter light and effortless simplicity.
✔ Paint large swatches on different walls - next to windows, in shaded corners, under artificial light. The same colour can look completely different in each spot.
✔ Optionally - Use sample boards. If you don’t want to paint directly on your walls, try painting a large piece of primed plasterboard that you can move around different rooms.
✔ Apply multiple coats and let it get dried. Apply 2-3 coats, as recommended by the paint manufacturer, to see the true shade. Wet paint appears darker or lighter until it fully dries. Wait for it to fully dry before making a decision.
✔ Observe it throughout the day and in different weather conditions. A white that looks perfect in the morning may shift to a completely different tone in the evening.
White is one of the most powerful colours in interior design.
Choosing white isn’t just about picking a colour - it’s about crafting an experience, shaping the light, and enhancing the architecture of your space. When chosen thoughtfully, white can be the most powerful tool in interior design, bringing clarity, elegance, and a timeless sense of beauty to your home.